Underpowered but by how much?

[Sopisa]

First timer in the forum.
I just purchased my first fiberglass power boat, a 16 1/2' Galaxy Bow Rider (1982?)

The boat came with a long shaft 25 HP Evenrude but I see that an engine with a larger foot print had previously been installed. The 25HP will get me just to what seems like a full plane but with nothing left over (5000 RPMs).

What is the recommended range for motor HP for this size/style watercraft.

I don't think I will be happy with this power unit with additional people onboard.

Thanks in advance for any advice or information source you might provide. Wayne

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Underpowered but by how much?

I'd say 50 minimum up to about a 90.

 

[JB]

Re: Underpowered but by how much?

Fifty should be plenty for a boat that size with no capacity plate.

If 25 will get it on plane with a light load, 50 should make her fly.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Underpowered but by how much?

Never owned a bow rider but of the several 16' glass bassboats i've had the smallest motor on any was a 70hp -
I have a 16' deck boat now with a 110-
Might be a world of difference in the boats tho

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Underpowered but by how much?

If you intend to do any watersports with a couple of people in the boat, 50 will not be nearly enough. Most hulls of that size were rated for around 90-115 HP. If it does not have a capacity plate, your state will usually make one for you; they tend to be a bit conservative and I would not be surprised if they rated it for an 85.

SO: If you do repower, around 70-90 HP would be a good choice--enough to get you going but not too wild.

 

[Sopisa]

Re: Underpowered but by how much?

Thanks to all who offered their thoghts and opinions. After discussing my situation with my local Marine Shop owner I have purchased a
1996 Force 75HP. I have had difficulty in the past with Mercurary products in the past but have the shop owners committment to stand behind the engine. The price seemed right and I trust the shop.

Now if I can only get rid of about 22" of ice at my dock I'll be able to test thing out. thanks again Wayne

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Underpowered but by how much?

A 75 should be good power. Sure wish it wasn't a Force though. Force has been out of production for years and parts/service are only getting scarcer. I hope you got it cheap.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Underpowered but by how much?

But I did a rebuild on a 75 Force. With that itty-bitty 10 inch prop off a Merc 40, I thought it was going to be a dog. SURPRISE! Merc did some nice engineering changes and the engine performed surprisingly well. Had a nice turn of speed on a 16 foot bass boat. You should enjoy yours too. And most parts are still available for late Force engines.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Underpowered but by how much?

Aren't Force motors rebranded Chrysler motors?

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Underpowered but by how much?

Aren't Force motors rebranded Chrysler motors?

Having had a 45 and 85 Chrysler, and having listened to Frank A about the changes Merc made in later model Force engines, I'd say no. Brunswick has apparently made a decent (opinion) engine out of it.

On engine size, they sold the Galaxy bow rider tri-hull around Dallas back in the '60's-'80's time frame (with a lot of other 15-18' bow rider trihull brands). Don't think I ever saw a 4 cyl 85 OMC on one (the 15'), but saw plenty of their very popular 3 cyl loopers....60-65-70-75 hp; would see a Merc every now and then. Boats would have up to 4 folks with 1 or 2 of them water skiing. Agree on the Force being a good choice in size.

I had a Caravelle 18' tri-hull bow rider with a 125 Johnny at the time (bought new engine within boat ratings). Brother in law had a 60 Johnny on a 15' bow rider tri-hull and it WAS a tad light for water sports; ok, but a tad light with a boat full of people. Remembering names, Invader, Arrowglas, Galaxy, Caravelle and several others. The 15-16' boats were very popular for our inland lakes around here.

Mark

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Underpowered but by how much?

I was going to suggest a Johnnyrude 70hp as a good choice.
I am not a great fan of the Force outboard, however I wish you all the best with it.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Underpowered but by how much?

Those old Johnson 70's are good old motors.
I had a 55 on a tin 16' so for glass I agree 70+ is what you want.

Be sure you get the right shaft length